The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions once again and will have an opportunity to be the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Six franchises have previously won consecutive Lombardi Trophies, but none could ever get the job done in the third season. The Chiefs have a chance to cement themselves as one of the greatest dynasties to ever grace an NFL field.
To win yet another championship next February, Brett Veach has a lot of business to attend to. Several key free agents and multiple positions groups need to be addressed. Is this an impossible task? Absolutely not, but it is a challenging one.
There are a multiple ways that teams can improve in the offseason. The two most popular are free agency and the draft. In addition, trades are not uncommon, but teams are mostly built through free agency and the draft.
If the Kansas City Chiefs are going to become the first team to three-peat in the Super Bowl era, here's what they should do.
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2024 Chiefs Assets
Here some fast facts about the Chiefs assets for this offseason:
2024 Cap Space (per Over The Cap): $15,222,796
Projected 2024 Draft Picks (before the compensatory picks are announced): 32, 64, 95, 133, 158 (via Dallas), and 172 (projected compensatory).
2024 Chiefs Free Agents
Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: DT Chris Jones, CB L'Jarius Sneed, EDGE Mike Danna, LT Donovan Smith, LB Willie Gay, Jr., S Mike Edwards, LB Drue Tranquill, DT Derrick Nnadi, DT Tershawn Wharton, DT Mike Pennel, P Tommy Townsend, LS James Winchester, RB Jerick McKinnon, TE Blake Bell, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, WR Mecole Hardman, WR Richie James, IOL Nick Allegretti, QB Blaine Gabbert, OT Prince Tega Wanogho, and S Deon Bush.
Notable Other Free Agents: EDGE Malik Herring (Exclusive Rights Free Agent), TE Jody Fortson (Restricted Free Agent) S Nazeeh Johnson (ERFA), and LB Jack Cochrane (ERFA).
Exclusive-rights free agents (ERFAs) are players with two or fewer seasons of service time and whose contracts have expired. These franchise can be tagged at a flat rate of $985K for the upcoming season.
Restricted free agents (RFAs) are players with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers ("tenders") that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation. There are three different tenders for RFAs (1st round- $6.464M, 2nd round- $4.633M, and Original Round/Right-of-First Refusal Tender: $2.627M).
Let's get down to business about what the Chiefs should. We'll go one category at a time.
Cuts
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Save $12M)
WR Kadarius Toney (Save $0)
Nothing surprising here. MVS, although he's played well in two straight postseasons, he hasn't played well enough to justify a $14M cap hit, and the Chiefs could the $12M in cap savings in other areas. Kadarius Toney has outstayed his welcome in KC after a disastrous 2023 season.
Restructures
TE Travis Kelce (Save $5.52M)
QB Patrick Mahomes (Save $16.57M)
Everyone knows that Mahomes' contract is structured in a way that provides the Chiefs with complete flexibility. Since the remaining term on his contract is more than five years, KC can convert as much of his yearly roster bonus and base salary into a signing bonus and spread those dollars over five years when it comes to the corresponding cap charge. I decided not to restructure the maximum amount since that would have inflated his 2025 cap charge to $69.8M. I only converted $20.7M of his 2024 money to a signing bonus, making his 2025 cap hit a manageable $65M.
It makes sense to restructure Travis Kelce because there's only $2.5M in projected dead money for the 2025 season. Spreading out $11.79M in 2024 compensation (saving $5.52M on the 2024 cap) over two seasons won't hinder the team in 2025.
Extensions
S Justin Reid (3 years, $36M in new money, Saving $2.75M in 2024 cap space)
Starting with Justin Reid, given how well Bryan Cook and Chamarri Conner have played, it could make sense for the Chiefs to release Reid and save $10.75M in cap space. At the same time, Spagnuolo loves to utilize three safeties and it likely makes even more sense to extend him rather than cut him.
DL Charles Omenihu (1 year, $6M in new money, Saving $2.7M in 2024 cap space)
Charles Omenihu is a tough one. On one hand, he played very well in limited action this past season. On the other hand, he, unfortunately, did tear his ACL in the AFC Championship, which will very likely force him to miss the beginning of the 2024 regular season. Since K.C. loves him and their need for defensive line depth is clear, extending him is probably the right course of action. That will play well in the locker room and save money for this season, although I could see the team releasing him and saving $7.22M in cap space, as cold as that may be.
K Harrison Butker (3 years, $18.75M in new money, Saving $1.34M in 2024 cap space)
Extending Harrison Butker is a no-brainer. He's one of the most clutch kickers in NFL postseason history and he has leverage for becoming the highest-paid player at his position. The current top AAV is Justin Tucker at $6M/year and Butker has every right to ask for more, so $6.25M/year on a new contract makes sense.
Adjusted 2024 cap space: $56,206,485
2024 In-House Free Agents
CB L'Jarius Sneed (4 years, $78M with $35M in guarantees, $9M 2024 cap hit)
There seems to be a lot of buzz suggesting that Sneed will sign a contract around $15-16M/year. I don't believe that, personally. It will end up closer to $20M/year over three to four years, in my opinion. The Chiefs could opt to use the franchise tag on him, but that would take up a lot of cap space in 2024 and both sides would prefer to sign a long-term contract.
DT Chris Jones (3 years, $84M with $50M in guarantees, $20.85M 2024 cap hit)
Chris Jones is another tough one. Given his age and reported contract demands, it probably makes more sense to let him walk. But he did declare at the Super Bowl that he wasn't going anywhere. Since tagging him will cost the Chiefs over $30M this year and it would be another year without long-term security for Jones, it would be wise for both sides to come to an agreement before free agency.
DT Derrick Nnadi (1 year, $1.28M)
I'm the furthest thing from a Derrick Nnadi fan, but the team will likely bring him back next season.
LB Drue Tranquill (3 years, $15M with $7M in guarantees, $2.625M 2024 cap hit)
Between Willie Gay and Drue Tranquill, it makes more sense to keep the latter.
EDGE Mike Danna (3 years, $25M with $15M in guarantees, $4.5M 2024 cap hit)
It would make business sense for Kansas City to not re-sign Mike Danna, but the Chiefs would be wise to retain since a team can never have too many good defensive linemen. Felix Anudike-Uzomah's development isn't guaranteed and Charles Omenihu won't be healthy to start the season. If Omenihu never suffered a torn ACL, Danna is probably on a new team.
Other Internal Free Agent Re-Signings
TE Blake Bell (1 year, $1.369M), IOL Nick Allegretti (1 year, $1.3M), LS James Winchester (1 year, $1.31M), QB Blaine Gabbert (1 year, $1.4M), P Tommy Townsend (4 years, $15M with $9M in guarantees, $2.625M 2024 cap hit), DT Mike Pennel (1 year, $1.3M), S Deon Bush (1 year, $1.3M), RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (1 year, $2M), OT Prince Tega Wanogho (1 year, $1.9M), TE Matt Bushman (1 year, $1M), IOL Austin Reiter (1 year, $1.15M), EDGE Malik Herring (1 year, $985K), LB Jack Cochrane (1 year, $985K), LB Cole Christiansen (1 year, $915K), IOL Mike Caliendo (1 year, $915K), S Nazeeh Johnson (1 year, $985K), E Jody Fortson (1 year, $1.1M)
2024 External Free Agents
WR Calvin Ridley (3 years, $51M with $25M in guarantees, $8.5M 2024 cap hit)
Coming off a lengthy gambling suspension, Calvin Ridley was solid for the Jaguars but wasn't exactly a home run. Given how Jacksonville and Kansas City run similar systems, the transition shouldn't be too bad. Ridley has shown an ability to beat both man and zone coverage and can be the outside receiver to complement Rashee Rice.
WR Kendrick Bourne (2 years, $10M with $4M in guarantees, $3M 2024 cap hit)
More than anything, Kendrick Bourne could be a lottery ticket for Kansas City. He racked up a respectable 800 yards in the 2021 regular season, despite having Mac Jones at QB and only starting five games. Before a season-ending knee injury, he was on pace to break 800 yards again, despite the Patriots being a total dumpster fire around him. Imagine what he could do with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. He's coming off a Torn ACL, so the Chiefs could get him for cheap.
DT Maurice Hurst (1 year, $2.5M)
Maurice Hurst would be another lottery ticket for the Chiefs. Very few players have struggled with injuries as much as he has. He managed to only log 41 snaps between the 2021 and 2022 seasons and saw his 2023 season end early in Week 14 due to a torn pectoral. Before his latest injury, he was having a season for the Browns. He was great against the run and solid as a pass rusher. Given the poor depth behind Chris Jones, the Chiefs would be wise to take a swing on a player with high upside like Hurst.
2024 Mock Draft
Round One, Pick 32
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Chiefs grab a young wide receiver to add to a now solid wide receiver room. Coleman's speed won't blow anyone away, but he's a good enough deep threat and doesn't struggle to track the ball who won't drop many passes, which is refreshing for Kansas City.
Round 2, Pick 64
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
The Chiefs pick up some much-needed depth behind Chris Jones. Defensive tackle has been a neglected position for years by Kansas City. Orhorhoro is a high-ceiling prospect as a pass-rusher, but he has a lot of work to do in that area. His run defense is also solid, which should allow him to see the field on early downs as a rookie.
Round 3, Pick 95
Dominick Puni, OT, Kansas
The Chiefs will likely ride with Wanya Morris at left tackle in 2024, but here's some insurance. Puni has experience at left tackle and left guard, so he could be a long-term option at both. He was great in pass protection, but his run-blocking could use some work. His arm length might scare off the Chiefs playing him at tackle, but he could be the successor to Joe Thuney if he's a cap casualty in 2025.
Round 4, Pick 133
Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan
The Chiefs like to draft linebackers and Michael Barrett would make sense around this spot.
Round 5, Pick 158
Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
After the departure of Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs could use a receiving back and Dylan Laube is one of the better options in this class. His blocking needs to improve, but he would be a fantastic complement to Isiah Pacheco.
Round 5, Pick 172
Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
Kansas City double dips with another Florida State pass-catcher. Travis Kelce isn't getting any younger, so the Chiefs should start looking for his successor. Bell doesn't struggle to get open against both man and zone coverage but has struggled with drops. He lined in the slot a lot at Florida State and blocking isn't his forte. He can line up all over the field, good ability to generate separation, struggles with drops on occasion, and blocking isn't a huge strength. Does that description match another Chiefs tight end?
Final Roster
Denotes Veteran Free Agent signing and Denotes draft pick
QB (4): Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert, Ian Book, Chris Oladokun
RB (7): Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Dylan Laube, Deneric Prince, La'Mical Perine, Keaontay Ingram, Hassan Hall
WR (12): Rashee Rice, Calvin Ridley, Kendrick Bourne, Keon Coleman, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, Nikko Remigio, Jacob Copeland, Anthony Miller, Shi Smith, Montrell Washington
TE (6): Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell, Jaheim Bell, Jody Fortson, Matt Bushman, Izaiah Gathings
OT (6): Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Dominick Puni, Lucas Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho, Jason Godrick
IOL (6): Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Joe Thuney, Nick Allegretti, Mike Caliendo, Austin Reiter,
EDGE (8): George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, B.J. Thompson, Malik Herring, Truman Jones, Jordan Smith
DT (7): Chris Jones, Maurice Hurst, Ruke Orhorhoro, Neil Farrell Jr., Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, Isaiah Buggs, Matt Dickerson
LB (7): Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill, Michael Barrett, Jack Cochrane, Cole Christiansen, Cam Jones
CB (8): Trent McDuffie, L'Jarius Sneed, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones, Ekow Boye-Doe, Kelvin Joseph, Keith Taylor
S (6): Justin Reid, Chamarri Conner, Bryan Cook, Deon Bush, Nazeeh Johnson, Trey Dean
Special Teamers (3): Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend, James Winchester
Note: There are only 80 of 90 roster spots filled in this projection. The other 9 players signed by the team will not affect the salary cap due to the NFL's Top 51 rule (From the start of a new NFL league year in early March until the first week of the regular season in September, only the 51 most expensive contracts count against a team's salary cap.)
Remaining 2024 Cap Space
$7,680,797
Conclusion
Remember, this is just a projection of what the Chiefs could do given what they have to work with this offseason. Will their actual offseason look anything like this? Absolutely not.
In this "mock offseason", Kansas City beefed up their defensive tackle depth chart, upgraded the wide receiver talent around Rashee Rice, and signed several key defensive pieces to long-term contracts. On the other hand, will the Chiefs need to add another edge rusher given Charles Omenihu's injury? Also, given the contracts signed in this projection, the Chiefs would be almost $40M over the cap in 2025. Is going all in for a three-peat worth the potential cap issues in 2025?
Every NFL team has needs every offseason and the back-to-back Super Bowl champions are no exception. They still need to upgrade their wide receiver room and potentially overhaul their defensive tackle group. They also need to figure out the deal at offensive tackle. Do they trust Wanya Morris at left tackle or will they bring in competition? Does Jawaan Taylor return? The Chiefs could cut him with a post-June 1 designation prior to March 17 to avoid $20M in 2025 money from vesting.
In addition, two of Kansas City's best defensive players are unrestricted free agents, Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed. Will one of them be tagged? Will either one sign a contract extension before free agency? Is it possible that one or both leave the Chiefs? Those are questions that will be answered in a little under one month.
Even though Brett Veach's team is still in better shape than pretty much every other franchise in the NFL, he's still under immense pressure this Spring. He has an opportunity to build their very first team to three-peat and that's something he'll likely only get one chance to do. If he plays his cards right, he'll go down in history as one of the best general managers in NFL history. If not, the Chiefs will be like the previous eight repeat Super Bowl winners to not get the job done.